Oil pulling is an ancient practice that has gained popularity in modern wellness routines for its potential benefits in oral health and overall detoxification. If you're new to this practice, this guide will help you understand the basics of oil pulling and how to incorporate it into your daily routine effectively. Looking for tips for oil pulling for kids? Find them here.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for a specified period. This practice is believed to help "pull" toxins from the body, improve oral hygiene, and provide various health benefits. Typically, coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil is used for this purpose.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
1. Oral Health: Oil pulling can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. The oil acts as a cleanser, pulling out bacteria and other toxins from the mouth.
2. Whiter Teeth: Many people report that their teeth become whiter after regular oil pulling.
3. Detoxification: Some proponents believe that oil pulling helps to detoxify the body by removing harmful substances from the mouth.
4. Improved Gum Health: The practice can help reduce inflammation and promote healthier gums.
Choosing the Right Oil
The most commonly used oils for oil pulling are:
- Coconut Oil: Favored for its pleasant taste and additional antibacterial properties due to lauric acid. This is my favorite option. You can use unrefined or fractionated, depending on your preference. Unrefined has a stronger flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Traditionally used in Ayurvedic practices, it is rich in antioxidants and has a neutral flavor.
- Sunflower Oil: Another option with a mild taste and good cleansing properties.
- Mustard Oil: This option is vitamin and mineral rich, and also contains Omega 3s.
Choose an organic, cold-pressed oil to ensure the highest quality and avoid any harmful additives.
Enhancing Oil Pulling with Essential Oils
Incorporating essential oils into your oil pulling routine can amplify its benefits. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts known for their beneficial properties.
Essential Oils to Add to Your Oil Pulling Routine
- Composition: This powerful blend typically includes cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils.
- Benefits: Thieves blend is known for its potent healthful properties. It can help in support immunity, reducing inflammation, and freshening breath. The warming sensation of cinnamon and clove combined with the refreshing citrus notes of lemon creates a robust, invigorating experience. (This is a "hot" oil, be sure to use extra coconut oil if it gets on your skin)
- Benefits: Peppermint oil is renowned for its cooling, refreshing sensation. It has natural properties that can help support the mouth, reduce bad breath, and promote a fresh feeling. The menthol in peppermint oil also provides a pleasant tingle and can soothe oral discomfort.
- Benefits: Frankincense oil is revered for its calming and balancing qualities. It has specific properties that support gum health and reduce oral infections. Its subtle, earthy aroma can also add a grounding, soothing aspect to your oil pulling routin
How to Oil Pull: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start with a Clean Mouth: Perform oil pulling on an empty stomach, preferably first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything.
2. Measure Your Oil: Take about 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil. Beginners might find it easier to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase.
3. Choose Your Essential Oil (Optional: Select an essential oil that complements your needs and preferences. Ensure it is safe for oral use.
4. Mix with Oil: Add 1-2 drops of your chosen essential oil to your tablespoon of carrier oil (like coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil). Avoid using more than a few drops as essential oils are highly concentrated.
5. Swish the Oil: Place the oil in your mouth and begin to swish it around. Move the oil slowly and methodically, pulling it through your teeth and around your gums. Avoid swallowing the oil.
6. Duration: Aim to swish the oil for 15-20 minutes. If this feels too long initially, start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
7. Spit Out the Oil: After swishing, spit the oil into a trash can, not the sink, as it can solidify and clog your pipes.
8. Rinse Your Mouth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any remaining oil and toxins. Some people like to rinse with salt water for added antibacterial benefits.
9. Brush Your Teeth: Finish your routine by brushing your teeth as usual to ensure all oil and toxins are removed from your mouth.
Tips for Beginners
- Consistency is Key: Try to oil pull daily to reap the full benefits.
- Stay Relaxed: Swish gently to avoid jaw fatigue.
- Be Patient: It may take a few weeks to notice significant changes in your oral health.
Precautions
- Oil pulling should not replace regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing.
- People with allergies to specific oils should choose an alternative or consult their healthcare provider.
- Always spit out the oil after pulling; do not swallow it as it contains bacteria and toxins.
- Test for Sensitivity: Perform a patch test to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to the essential oil.
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality, authentic essential oils from a reputable source.
- Start Slow: Begin with a small amount of essential oil and observe how your body reacts. You can gradually increase the quantity if needed.
- Consult a Professional: If you have any health concerns or conditions, consult with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about essential oils before incorporating them into your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use oil pulling if I have dental work or braces?
A: Yes, oil pulling can be safe and beneficial even if you have dental work or braces. However, consult your dentist if you have any concerns.
Q: How soon can I eat or drink after oil pulling?
A: It’s best to wait about 30 minutes after oil pulling before consuming anything to allow the benefits to take full effect.
Q: Can I oil pull at night instead of in the morning?
A: While mornings are preferred, you can oil pull at any time of day. The key is to do it on an empty stomach.
Q: How often should I practice oil pulling?
A: Daily oil pulling is recommended for the best results, but even a few times a week can be beneficial.
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Starting a new health practice can feel daunting, but oil pulling is a simple and effective way to enhance your oral health routine. Adding essential oils to your oil pulling practice can provide a delightful boost to your oral care routine, making it more effective and enjoyable. Whether you're seeking the robust protection of Thieves blend, the refreshing coolness of peppermint, or the soothing essence of frankincense, there's an essential oil that can enhance your daily wellness ritual. Give it a try, and you might find it to be a refreshing addition to your wellness habits!
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Sources:
- "Oil Pulling: Benefits & How to Do It," Healthline, (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oil-pulling-coconut-oil#how-to-oil-pull)
- "Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil," WebMD, (https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oil-pulling-coconut-oil)
- "Essential Oils in Oil Pulling: How They Work," Wellness Mama, (https://wellnessmama.com/natural-beauty/essential-oils-oil-pulling/)
- "The Benefits of Adding Essential Oils to Oil Pulling," Dr. Axe, (https://draxe.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-oil-pulling/)
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As a parent, few things can tug at your heartstrings like seeing your little bundle of joy struggle with congestion and stuffiness. Whether it's from a common cold, allergies, or other respiratory issues, dealing with a stuffy baby can be challenging. While over-the-counter medications may not be suitable for infants, there are gentle and natural remedies that can provide relief. In this blog post, we'll explore ways to support your baby and help them breathe easy again.
Understanding Baby Stuffiness:
Babies are more susceptible to congestion than adults due to their smaller nasal passages and developing immune systems. Common causes of stuffiness in babies include:
1. Colds and Viral Infections: Just like adults, babies can catch colds and other viral infections that cause nasal congestion.
2. Allergies: Allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander can trigger allergic reactions in babies, leading to congestion.
3. Dry Air: Dry indoor air, especially during colder months when heating systems are running, can dry out your baby's nasal passages, causing discomfort and congestion.
4. Teething: Believe it or not, teething can also cause nasal congestion in babies due to increased saliva production.
Supportive Measures for Baby's Stuffiness:
Now that we understand some of the common causes of baby stuffiness, let's explore ways to provide support and relief for your little one:
1. Humidifier or Diffuser:
Adding moisture to the air can help relieve nasal congestion and soothe your baby's irritated nasal passages. Use a cool-mist humidifier or diffuser in your baby's room, especially at night when congestion may worsen. Make sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
2. Saline Nasal Spray:
Saline nasal spray can help loosen mucus and clear your baby's nasal passages. Hold your baby on their back or upright and gently tilt their head back. Spray the saline solution into each nostril and then keep upright for a few minutes to encourage drainage. Use a nasal aspirator to gently suction out any loosened mucus if necessary.
3. Elevate Your Baby's Head:
Elevating your baby's head while they sleep can help ease congestion. You can do this by placing a folded towel or blanket under the head of the crib mattress or by using a specially designed baby wedge pillow. Ensure that your baby's head is elevated safely to avoid any risks of suffocation.
4. Steam Bath:
Create a steamy environment in your bathroom by running a hot shower with the door closed. Sit in the steamy bathroom with your baby for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the steam to help loosen mucus and clear their nasal passages. Be sure to hold your baby securely and avoid direct contact with hot water.
5. Gentle Nose Suction:
For stubborn mucus that saline drops alone can't clear, you can use a nasal aspirator to gently suction it out. Gently insert the tip into your baby's nostril to suction out the mucus. Repeat as needed, being careful not to insert it too far into your baby's nose. There are several kinds, these and these are my favorites.
6. Warm Baths:
A warm bath can help relax your baby and provide temporary relief from congestion. The steam from the warm water can also help clear their nasal passages. Let your baby splash and play in the water, but always supervise them closely to ensure their safety.
7. Stay Hydrated:
Whether your baby is breastfeeding, formula feeding, or starting on solids, ensuring they stay hydrated is essential for thinning mucus and relieving congestion. Offer plenty of breast milk, formula, or water (if your baby is old enough) throughout the day.
8. Essential Oils:
Use a cool-mist diffuser to diffuse a blend of lavender, lemon, eucalyptus radiata, and/or tea tree essential oils in your baby's room (1-2 drops each). Lavender promotes relaxation, lemon provides a fresh scent, eucalyptus radiata aids the nasal passages in breathing easy, and tea tree adds a little extra. Ensure the diffuser is safely out of your baby's reach and use a minimal amount of diluted essential oils, starting with one at a time to monitor baby's response.
9. Eucalyptus Radiata Chest Rub:
Dilute eucalyptus radiata essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and gently massage it onto your baby's chest. The gentle aroma can help clear nasal congestion and promote easier breathing. Remember to perform a patch test on a small area of your baby's skin before widespread use.
10. Steam Inhalation with Lemon:
Add a drop of lemon essential oil to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and allow your baby to inhale the steam. The refreshing scent of lemon can help clear nasal passages and provide relief. Always supervise your baby closely during steam inhalation.
11. Acupressure under the toes:
Massaging the toes is very helpful, especially when using the essential oils mentioned above. The nasal passage acupressure points are found on the bottom of the toes.
Precautions:
While essential oils can be beneficial, it's essential to use them safely, especially with young children. These two are often used with older children and adults with no issues, but infants are more sensitive. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:
-Peppermint Oil: Avoid using peppermint essential oil on or near the face of infants and young children under 2 years old, as it can potentially cause breathing difficulties.
- Eucalyptus Globulus Oil: Similarly, eucalyptus globulus essential oil should be avoided in children under 2 years old due to its high cineole content, which can be toxic if ingested or applied improperly.
VapoRub contains Eucalyptus and is not recommended for children under 2 years old.
Dealing with a stuffy baby can be stressful, but with these supportive measures, you can help alleviate their discomfort and help them breathe easy again. Remember to always monitor your baby's symptoms and consult with a pediatrician if you have any concerns, especially if the congestion persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing. Wishing you and your baby a peaceful and congestion-free day!
Disclaimer: No part of this is to be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician.
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As a mom on a journey to transform my health and life, I have come across numerous books that have profoundly impacted my well-being. These ten books encompass a diverse range of topics, including natural healing, healthy living, childbirth, and personal growth. Each book has played a significant role in shaping my perspective and empowering me to make positive changes. Join me as I share the top 10 books that have changed my life for the better.
- Hypnobirthing: the Mongan Method by Marie Mongan: Marie Mongan's Hypnobirthing method is an invaluable resource for expectant mothers seeking a calm and empowering birth experience. This book taught me more than just techniques to manage pain and anxiety during labor, leading to a more positive birthing journey. It taught me to give birth without fear, and I went on to have pain-free birth!
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman, MD: Joel Fuhrman's Eat to Live is a groundbreaking book that emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-dense, plant-based diet. Through this book, I learned about the power of food as medicine, and how to nourish my body with wholesome, life-giving foods. The impact on my health has been huge, helping me overcome poor immune system function.
- Desk Reference for Essential Oils by Life Science Publishers: This comprehensive guide to essential oils has become my go-to resource for natural remedies and holistic well-being. It provides detailed information on various essential oils, their benefits, and practical applications, helping me harness the therapeutic properties of nature. It has been invaluable in helping me get through acute situations as well as solving long-term health issues.
- Lucy Libido by Lucy Libido: Lucy Libido's book offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on enhancing intimacy and sexual wellness. This book helped me embrace my femininity and prioritize self-care, leading to a more fulfilling and intimate relationship. For all you moms out there, this book rocks!
- Dissolving Illusions by Suzanne Humphries and Roman Bystrianyk: Dissolving Illusions challenges conventional wisdom surrounding vaccines and infectious diseases. It provides a well-researched exploration of historical data, allowing me to make informed decisions about my family's health.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: In Atomic Habits, James Clear shares practical strategies for building and breaking habits effectively. This book helped me develop a growth mindset and implement small but significant changes in my daily routine, resulting in long-lasting positive transformations.
- The 21 Laws of Leadership in the Bible by John Maxwell: John Maxwell's book draws wisdom from biblical principles to inspire and guide leaders. It taught me invaluable lessons about integrity, influence, and character development, encouraging me to lead with purpose and authenticity.
- Prescription for Natural Healing by James Balch and Phyllis Balch: Prescription for Natural Healing is an essential guide for natural remedies and alternative therapies. It offers comprehensive information on various health conditions and holistic approaches to healing, empowering me to take charge of my well-being.
- Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding by Ina May Gaskin: Ina May Gaskin's guide is a must-read for new mothers embarking on the breastfeeding journey. With practical advice, inspiring stories, and evidence-based information, I wish I had found this before my first child; it would have helped me immensely! This book can help you overcome challenges and establish a nurturing bond with your baby.
- Ningxia Wolfberry: The Ultimate Superfood by Gary Young, Ronald Lawrence, and Mark Schreuder: This book explores the incredible health benefits of Ningxia Wolfberries, a potent superfood. It delves into these berries' nutritional properties, antioxidants, and wellness-promoting qualities, inspiring me to incorporate them into my diet for enhanced vitality. This berry has changed my life!
These ten books have been instrumental in my personal transformation, guiding me towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. From childbirth to natural healing, personal growth to healthy living, each book has contributed to my overall well-being. I encourage you to explore these transformative works and discover the positive impact they can have on your own health journey.
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I have been searching for something that would boost their growth naturally, because many come with a hefty price tag, questionable or downright toxic ingredients, and a ton of side effects that I have seen first-hand with friends. It can be a bit scary to venture into that world and I am not about to do it! I do have good news- you can easily create your own eyelash serum with ingredients that are readily available!
Trauma is a difficult thing to heal. It can be triggered by memories, people, and even smells. When we smell something, it goes straight to our limbic system which is the emotional center of our brain. This is why certain smells can bring back memories, good and bad.
Smells can also affect our mood. Research has shown that certain essential oils can help improve our mood and make us feel more relaxed. This is because when we smell these oils, they interact with the amygdala which is the part of the brain that controls our fight or flight response.
The Fight or Flight Response
When we smell something, it goes through the olfactory bulb which is connected to the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for our fight or flight response. This is the survival mechanism that helped our ancestors avoid being eaten by predators. Nowadays, we don't have to worry about being eaten by a tiger, but this survival mechanism is still hardwired into our brains.
The problem is that sometimes this survival mechanism gets triggered when there is no real threat. For example, if you were in a car accident, the smell of gasoline might trigger your fight or flight response even though you are not in danger. This can be very debilitating and make it hard to live a normal life.
The Link Between Smell and Memory
The link between smell and memory is due to the fact that the olfactory system—the part of the brain responsible for processing smells—is located close to the limbic system, which is responsible for emotion and memory. This proximity means that smells have a direct connection to the emotions we feel and the memories we store.
Because of this connection, certain smells can trigger a traumatic memory, which can be overwhelming and even debilitating. However, scent can also be used to heal trauma by helping to process and release those traumatic memories. When used in conjunction with other therapies, such as talk therapy, specific memory release protocols, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), scent can be a powerful tool in healing trauma.
How Essential Oils Can Help
Young Living's Feelings Kit is one way that essential oils can be used to help heal trauma. This kit includes six different essential oils—Forgiveness, Inner Child, Present Time, Release, Valor, and Harmony—which can be used individually or blended together to create a custom scent. There is also a protocol for how to use each oil for maximum benefit. I have walked through the step by step process many times and it has been vey beneficial in helping to releasepast trauma.
There are many people who have been through trauma and come out the other side. And there are many tools available to help you heal, including essential oils. If you are struggling with trauma, know that you are not alone. There are many people who have been through similar experiences and have found healing through essential oils. The Young Living Feelings Kit is one option that can help you release past trauma and move on with your life. Give it a try today! If you're interested in exploring this option further, please reach out to me and I'll be happy to chat with you about it further.
*Please consult a medical professional for severe trauma.
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